5 Reasons The Marie Kondo Method Didn't Work For You—And What To Try Instead

We talked to the experts about why some of us haven't experienced the life-changing magic, and what organizing alternatives they recommend.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:25pm

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A little over a decade ago, Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up was published in America, inspiring many to become professional organizers for their households. However, her methods were immediately debated, with many considering them unrealistic and unsustainable for the everyday person. We talked to organizing experts about why some people haven't experienced the life-changing magic of the Kondo method, and what alternative organizing strategies they recommend.

Why it matters

The Kondo method of decluttering and organizing has become a popular trend, but it doesn't work for everyone. Understanding the limitations of the Kondo approach and exploring alternative organizing strategies can help people find a system that works better for their lifestyle and needs.

The details

Experts say the Kondo method of pulling out everything at once in multiple rooms can be visually overwhelming and lead to delayed decision-making for the average person. They recommend going room by room or zone by zone to make the project more manageable. The specific order Kondo suggests for organizing - clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous, and sentimental items - may not work for everyone, as some categories are more challenging than others. Kondo's folding and storage methods, while visually appealing, may not be practical for busy families to maintain. Experts suggest simpler folding and hanging methods instead. Some find the 'spark joy' question too emotional, and prefer more practical questions about usage and purpose.

  • Over a decade ago, Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up was published in America.

The players

Jennifer Moore

Founder of Organized Boutique in Allen, Texas.

Sara Bereika

Owner of Sara Jane Organizing in Richmond, Virginia.

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What they’re saying

“While the pros may not feel this way, it can be very difficult for the average person to manage one room on their own, let alone going through several rooms at once.”

— Jennifer Moore, Founder of Organized Boutique

“Clothing can be quite challenging for some, especially if their weight fluctuates, they've recently lost or gained weight, or they've gone through a life transition, such as having a baby or changing jobs that require different attire.”

— Sara Bereika, Owner of Sara Jane Organizing

“While I personally love the KonMari folding method, especially for t-shirts, the average person isn't going to go through the extra steps. It really looks beautiful in photos, but it requires precision and consistency that most families are not able to maintain, especially with kids.”

— Jennifer Moore, Founder of Organized Boutique

“By speaking aloud the thoughts they have about an item and how they obtained it, they often realize the item no longer serves a purpose.”

— Sara Bereika, Owner of Sara Jane Organizing

“As a professional organizer, I focus more on function over feelings. Quick decisions are necessary, and introducing emotions delays the process of moving forward and letting go without guilt.”

— Jennifer Moore, Founder of Organized Boutique

The takeaway

The Kondo method of decluttering and organizing has become popular, but it doesn't work for everyone. Understanding the limitations of the Kondo approach and exploring alternative organizing strategies, such as going room by room, using simpler folding and storage methods, and focusing on practical questions about usage and purpose rather than emotions, can help people find a system that works better for their lifestyle and needs.